PAF Bats for Multi-role Jet Fighters Capable of Short Runway Ops

29 Juni 2025

F16 practice landing on a public road (photo: RSAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the multi-role fighters (MRFs) to be acquired by the country must have the capability to land and operate on short runways.

This aligns with Manila's adoption of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), which aims to protect the country's territories, including its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). PAF commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura told reporters at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City Tuesday afternoon.

"The specifications, I need not go to the details but in terms of our selection for MRF, the CADC, our defense campaign plan, our concept for defense entails projection so we need to be able to exhibit credible defense in our EEZ," Cordura said in a mix of Filipino and English when asked about the specifications for the MRF project.

The MRFs to be acquired are expected to backstop the Mach 1.5 capable South Korean-made FA-50PH light combat aircraft acquired from 2015 to 2017 for PHP18.9 billion.

With this mission in mind, Cordura said, potential MRF platforms must have "a longer endurance, a greater payload, it must (have the) capability that can land on shorter runways" as future PAF operating bases would be located in the periphery of the archipelago.

Having the capability to land on short or small runways allows quick response and flexibility in deploying these proposed MRFs.

Cordura added that locating these bases in the peripheries is a "more strategic" move.

The MRFs that will be acquired "should cater to more asymmetric capabilities," he added, referring to matching potential strength versus the weakness of a particular opponent.

Gripen practice landing on a public road (photo: SAAB)

"In addition, these platforms must be highly integrable and interoperable with our allies in the region," he said.

Cordura said all recommendations and information concerning the MRF project were already submitted to the Department of National Defense.

"We're just awaiting guidance, the definite platform that later that will be acquired. Any platform, from what we have recommended and what we have studied and researched on, are win-win for not only for the PAF but for the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). It is already awaiting the decision from our department and it will be very soon," he added.

Earlier reports regarding the MRF project had the Philippines shortlisting the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 "Viper" and the Saab JAS-39C/D "Gripen" MRFs. The budget for the MRF acquisition project is placed at PHP61 billion.

The F-16 Block 72/70 is the latest and most advanced F-16 in operation and is considered the foremost combat-proven 4th-generation MRF.

It is equipped with advanced radar systems allowing it greater detection and tracking capabilities along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The JAS-39 "Gripen" C/D is classified as the most reliable "swing-role combat aircraft" available in the world today.

The "C" version is a single-seat aircraft while the "D" version is a two-seater configuration.

The Swedish-made fighter requires minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations and can operate from small unprepared roads. It is also equipped with sophisticated radar, sensors, and weapons. 

(PNA)